Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras Compatibility
Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras make a good match: temperature ranges overlap at 72–79°F, water chemistry aligns, and neither presents a meaningful behavioural or size risk. Plan on at least 20 gallons. Individual fish vary — observe behaviour during introduction.
Neon Tetra vs Bronze Corydoras at a glance
| Aspect | Neon Tetra | Bronze Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | ~1.2 in | ~2.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gal | 20 gal |
| Temperature | 70–79°F | 72–80°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 6–8 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful |
| Swimming zone | middle | bottom |
| Group size | 6+ | 6+ |
| Care level | easy | easy |
Overlap in temperature: 72–79°F. Overlap in pH: 6–7.
Why this verdict
- Temperature: Shared range of 72–79°F.
- Water parameters: Shared pH range of 6–7.
- Temperament: Both species are peaceful community fish.
- Adult size: Comparable adult sizes (~1.2" and ~2.5").
- Swimming zone: Complementary layers (middle + bottom) reduce competition for space.
- Schooling: Group sizes matter: Neon Tetra: keep at least 6; Bronze Corydoras: keep at least 6.
- Tank size: Plan for at least 20 gallons to satisfy both species.
Main risks
- One species keeps to the bottom, the other to the midwater — the classic community pairing.
- No behavioural or water-chemistry conflict.
Exceptions & caveats
Plan for a 20+ gallon tank and keep 6+ of each so both shoals settle.
Recommended tank
Plan on 20 gallons or larger for this pair. Suitable sizes: 20 gallon High, 20 gallon Long, 29 gallon.
Group sizes: Neon Tetra: keep at least 6; Bronze Corydoras: keep at least 6.
Sources
- FishBase — Scientific Database · Primary / scientific · https://www.fishbase.se/
- SeriouslyFish — Specialist Publication · High authority · https://www.seriouslyfish.com/
- Aquarium Forge editorial guidelines — Editorial Interpretation · Editorial interpretation
- FishBase — Scientific Database · Primary / scientific · https://www.fishbase.se/
- SeriouslyFish — Specialist Publication · High authority · https://www.seriouslyfish.com/
- Aquarium Forge editorial guidelines — Editorial Interpretation · Editorial interpretation
- Aquarium Forge editorial guidelines — Editorial Interpretation · Editorial interpretation
Compatibility verdicts are planning guidance, not guarantees — individual fish vary. Rule version 1.1 · Data reviewed: .
Frequently asked questions
Can Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras live together?
Our verdict is “Good Match”. Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras make a good match: temperature ranges overlap at 72–79°F, water chemistry aligns, and neither presents a meaningful behavioural or size risk. Plan on at least 20 gallons. Individual fish vary — observe behaviour during introduction.
What tank size do Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras need?
Plan for at least 20 gallons so both species have their minimum space — Neon Tetra needs 10+ gal and Bronze Corydoras needs 20+ gal. Adding length and cover reduces stress further.
What temperature do Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras share?
Their comfortable ranges overlap at 72–79°F. Hold the tank near the middle of that band and avoid the extremes of either species' range.
What are the main risks keeping Neon Tetra with Bronze Corydoras?
One species keeps to the bottom, the other to the midwater — the classic community pairing. No behavioural or water-chemistry conflict.
How many Neon Tetra and Bronze Corydoras should I keep?
Neon Tetra: keep at least 6; Bronze Corydoras: keep at least 6. Group sizes matter for shoaling fish — too few and they become stressed and nippy.
Canonical https://aquariumforge.com/compatibility/neon-tetra/corydoras/